North York Mirror

YMCA locations across Toronto are offering free drop-in swimming classes for National Drowning Prevention Week.

The Swim to Survive lessons are designed by the Life Saving Society and offer basic survival techniques for a fall into deep water.

Participants will learn basic swimming skills, drowning prevention techniques, and water safety.

Instruction includes learning to swim 50 metres, roll into deep water and tread water for one minute.

The Life Saving Society reports 54 deaths from drowning in Ontario so far this year.

Classes are open to all ages in the community. Membership to the YMCA and registration is not required.

For more information visit the YMCA website at www.ymcagta.org/swimtosurvive/

The YMCAs are hosting the drop in classes on Sunday, July 29 at the following locations and times:

North York YMCA

567 Sheppard Ave. E.

1 to 3 p.m.

416 225-9622

Scarborough YMCA

230 Town Centre Ct.

1 to 3 p.m.

416 296-9622

Central YMCA

20 Grosvenor St.

1 to 3 p.m.

416 975-9622

West End YMCA

931 College St.

4 to 6 p.m.

416 536-9622